The Palo Alto Vikings varsity volleyball team (30-5, CA) will host a playoff match against the Tamalpais Red Tailed Hawks (26-10, Mill Valley, CA) today at 6 p.m. This game is part of the “2024 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships – Division I” tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Volleyball
Who: Palo Alto vs Tamalpais
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships – Division I
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Game preview: Palo Alto vs Tamalpais

As the season heads into the final stretch, Tamalpais and Palo Alto high schools are set to face off in what promises to be an intense showdown between two of California’s top-ranked teams. Each team brings a strong record, standout statistics, and a history of high-level competition, making this game highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.

Team Records and Rankings

Tamalpais holds an impressive 26-10 overall record with a .722 win percentage, boasting a particularly dominant home performance at 17-0. Their league record stands at 6-4, securing them the #34 spot in the California state rankings and placing them in Division 2 of their section. Known for their resilience, Tamalpais has a 73-32 set win-loss ratio (SW/SL) and has demonstrated notable success both in- and out-of-league play.

Palo Alto has been even more commanding, amassing a 30-5 overall record with an outstanding .857 win percentage. Dominating their league with an 11-1 record and a home record of 10-1, Palo Alto currently sits at #54 in the California rankings and competes in Division 1. With an 80-27 set win-loss ratio, their stats suggest Palo Alto has been a tough team to beat, especially in high-stakes matches.

Team Scoring Averages

Breaking down scoring averages, both teams are neck-and-neck across the first four sets. Tamalpais averages around 22 points per set across the first three quarters, while Palo Alto is close behind with similar scores. However, in the fifth set—a scenario where Palo Alto is especially effective—they average 15 points, which could give them an edge in tight games that go the distance.

Tamalpais Average Scores by Set:

• Set 1: 22.4
• Set 2: 23.7
• Set 3: 21.9
• Set 4: 23.3
• Set 5: 2.0 (wins)

Palo Alto Average Scores by Set:

• Set 1: 23.9
• Set 2: 23.2
• Set 3: 22.6
• Set 4: 22.1
• Set 5: 15.0 (wins)

Performance Against Common Opponents

Both teams have faced University, Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep, Foothill, and Monte Vista this season, with Tamalpais securing a slightly stronger record of 3-1 against these opponents compared to Palo Alto’s 3-2. Notably, both teams defeated University and Monte Vista, but while Tamalpais managed to overcome Sacred Heart, Palo Alto struggled in one matchup against them, losing 1-2. These performances highlight Tamalpais’ adaptability against challenging teams, although Palo Alto’s resilience is clear given their strong overall league showing.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Though Tamalpais and Palo Alto haven’t faced off directly this season, each team’s statistics hint at an exciting matchup. Tamalpais’ unbeaten home record could be a game-changer if they host, while Palo Alto’s superior league performance indicates they can excel under pressure.

Palo Alto may enter the game as the slight favorite due to their consistent performance and higher win percentage, yet Tamalpais has proved they can take down difficult opponents, particularly when playing at home. The game may well come down to each team’s ability to perform under pressure in close sets, especially in a potential fifth-set scenario where Palo Alto’s scoring average spikes.

Prediction: If both teams bring their best to the court, we’re likely in for a match that could go all five sets. Tamalpais will be looking to leverage their undefeated home record, while Palo Alto’s league-leading performance will make them formidable challengers. Expect a tight game with significant swings in momentum and a final score that could go either way.